MCYI connects Detroit youth to past
http://www.michronicleonline.com/articlelive/articles/1742/1/MCYI-connects-Detroit-youth-to-past/Page1.html
Bill Hoover, Jr., SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
By Bill Hoover, Jr., SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
Published on 10/3/2007
How can Detroit utilize the experiences of its former professional athletes to help today’s youth learn critical life lessons, gain lifesaving health education information, earn certification in the moneymaking field of athletic officiating, and participate in a well-organized athletic program – all free of charge?
PHYLLIS BLEZNAK, Richard Bieznak, Ernie Wagner, Adam Shakoor at the kickoff celebration of the Motor City Youth Initiative - Shawn Smith photo
How can Detroit utilize the experiences of its former professional athletes to help today’s youth learn critical life lessons, gain lifesaving health education information, earn certification in the moneymaking field of athletic officiating, and participate in a well-organized athletic program – all free of charge?
The answer is the Motor City Youth Initiative (MCYI), which celebrated its kickoff with a banquet on Friday, Sept. 15, at Church of Christ-Elmwood Park.
The MCYI, a non-profit 501(c)3 program, began its first full season this month with the first of its monthly workshops and a 10-team, co-ed, age 15-and-under basketball league. The MCYI, which was founded in March 2006, is the brainchild of Ernie Wagner, an 11-year veteran of the Harlem Globetrotters, and the late Ernie Winchester, a longtime official and advocate of youth athletics in Metro Detroit.
The kickoff celebration honored Winchester, the late Carl Swanigan, Richard Bleznak, Essence Reid, and Brandon Scarber for their various interactions with the MCYI.
Joan Winchester, the widow of Ernie Winchester, accepted Winchester’s award for his passionate role as co-creator of the MCYI.
The Rev. Rigel Dawson, minister of Church of Christ-Elmwood Park, accepted an award on behalf of the late Carl Swanigan. Swanigan altruistically volunteered his time and arranged for the pre-funded MCYI to use the Church of Christ-Elmwood Park’s gymnasium, free of charge, for years.
Richard Bleznak, a former Michigan State University baseball player and current real estate investor, accepted an award in recognition of his financial generosity. Bleznak single-handedly coordinated a fund-raising drive in which his family and friends contributed enough donations to fund the MCYI this entire fiscal year.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of two MCYI Success Stories, Essence Reid and Brandon Scarber. Both are thriving as they tackle the rigors of college life. Each received a financial token to help with tuition costs at Oakland University and Kalamazoo College, respectively. Scarber gave a heart-felt testimonial that received praise from special guest, retired Judge Adam Shakoor, former Deputy Mayor under the late Mayor Coleman A. Young.
In addition to Wagner, many former professional athletes and relatives of former professional athletes were in attendance. These included Detroit Northwestern’s Andy Wilson, who followed a career at Johnson C. Smith University by playing basketball with Andy Shepard’s Harlem Showboats; Detroit Northeastern’s Eric “Luke” Johnson, who played for five basketball teams, including Goose Tatum’s Harlem Roadkings; “My Block’s” coach Craig White, who attended Detroit Northern and Highland Park high schools, and Schoolcraft Community College before a 12-year career in South America; and Detroit Northwestern’s Troy Mack, who followed a standout career at Wichita State University by playing in professional leagues all around the globe.
Three MCYI coaches who were in attendance also have direct ties to legendary sports figures of Detroit’s past. Mike Childs, a coach of the “Jaguars,” is the son of the late Alex Childs, who was a product of Detroit Miller High and West Virginia State College. Alex Childs was a two-sport professional who played professional basketball and fastpitch softball for the Joe Louis Brown Bombers.
Craig White’s father, Donald “Zip” White, and uncle, Charles White, each followed their days at Detroit Northern High with significant hoop careers. Donald played professionally for two teams, including the Goose Tatum Harlem Stars, and Charles earned the distinction of being the first African American to play basketball at Oregon State University.
Lisa McFolly, a coach of the “Seminoles,” is the daughter of the late Sammy Gee. Gee, a product of Detroit Miller High under legendary coach Will Robinson, is one of Detroit’s all-time great athletes. Gee played professional baseball in both the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball’s minor leagues; professional softball; and professional basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters. Gee was also one of the first African Americans to be recruited to play football at the University of Notre Dame.
Other MCYI staff in attendance included Janetta Hubbard, Bryant Rainey, Vincent McFolly, Eddie Lester, Chuck Lewis, Thomas Franklin, Eddie Grant, Sunni A. Thompson, Steven Gray, Darryl Jones, Hank Brooks and Bill Hoover Jr.
The MCYI is up and running in great hands, but the program still needs help. Anyone interested in contributing is encouraged to contact Ernie Wagner at (313) 989-8768.
How can Detroit utilize the experiences of its former professional athletes to help today’s youth learn critical life lessons, gain lifesaving health education information, earn certification in the moneymaking field of athletic officiating, and participate in a well-organized athletic program – all free of charge?Former professional athletes to help today’s youth
PHYLLIS BLEZNAK, Richard Bieznak, Ernie Wagner, Adam Shakoor at the kickoff celebration of the Motor City Youth Initiative - Shawn Smith photo
How can Detroit utilize the experiences of its former professional athletes to help today’s youth learn critical life lessons, gain lifesaving health education information, earn certification in the moneymaking field of athletic officiating, and participate in a well-organized athletic program – all free of charge?
The answer is the Motor City Youth Initiative (MCYI), which celebrated its kickoff with a banquet on Friday, Sept. 15, at Church of Christ-Elmwood Park.
The MCYI, a non-profit 501(c)3 program, began its first full season this month with the first of its monthly workshops and a 10-team, co-ed, age 15-and-under basketball league. The MCYI, which was founded in March 2006, is the brainchild of Ernie Wagner, an 11-year veteran of the Harlem Globetrotters, and the late Ernie Winchester, a longtime official and advocate of youth athletics in Metro Detroit.
The kickoff celebration honored Winchester, the late Carl Swanigan, Richard Bleznak, Essence Reid, and Brandon Scarber for their various interactions with the MCYI.
Joan Winchester, the widow of Ernie Winchester, accepted Winchester’s award for his passionate role as co-creator of the MCYI.
The Rev. Rigel Dawson, minister of Church of Christ-Elmwood Park, accepted an award on behalf of the late Carl Swanigan. Swanigan altruistically volunteered his time and arranged for the pre-funded MCYI to use the Church of Christ-Elmwood Park’s gymnasium, free of charge, for years.
Richard Bleznak, a former Michigan State University baseball player and current real estate investor, accepted an award in recognition of his financial generosity. Bleznak single-handedly coordinated a fund-raising drive in which his family and friends contributed enough donations to fund the MCYI this entire fiscal year.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of two MCYI Success Stories, Essence Reid and Brandon Scarber. Both are thriving as they tackle the rigors of college life. Each received a financial token to help with tuition costs at Oakland University and Kalamazoo College, respectively. Scarber gave a heart-felt testimonial that received praise from special guest, retired Judge Adam Shakoor, former Deputy Mayor under the late Mayor Coleman A. Young.
In addition to Wagner, many former professional athletes and relatives of former professional athletes were in attendance. These included Detroit Northwestern’s Andy Wilson, who followed a career at Johnson C. Smith University by playing basketball with Andy Shepard’s Harlem Showboats; Detroit Northeastern’s Eric “Luke” Johnson, who played for five basketball teams, including Goose Tatum’s Harlem Roadkings; “My Block’s” coach Craig White, who attended Detroit Northern and Highland Park high schools, and Schoolcraft Community College before a 12-year career in South America; and Detroit Northwestern’s Troy Mack, who followed a standout career at Wichita State University by playing in professional leagues all around the globe.
Three MCYI coaches who were in attendance also have direct ties to legendary sports figures of Detroit’s past. Mike Childs, a coach of the “Jaguars,” is the son of the late Alex Childs, who was a product of Detroit Miller High and West Virginia State College. Alex Childs was a two-sport professional who played professional basketball and fastpitch softball for the Joe Louis Brown Bombers.
Craig White’s father, Donald “Zip” White, and uncle, Charles White, each followed their days at Detroit Northern High with significant hoop careers. Donald played professionally for two teams, including the Goose Tatum Harlem Stars, and Charles earned the distinction of being the first African American to play basketball at Oregon State University.
Lisa McFolly, a coach of the “Seminoles,” is the daughter of the late Sammy Gee. Gee, a product of Detroit Miller High under legendary coach Will Robinson, is one of Detroit’s all-time great athletes. Gee played professional baseball in both the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball’s minor leagues; professional softball; and professional basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters. Gee was also one of the first African Americans to be recruited to play football at the University of Notre Dame.
Other MCYI staff in attendance included Janetta Hubbard, Bryant Rainey, Vincent McFolly, Eddie Lester, Chuck Lewis, Thomas Franklin, Eddie Grant, Sunni A. Thompson, Steven Gray, Darryl Jones, Hank Brooks and Bill Hoover Jr.
The MCYI is up and running in great hands, but the program still needs help. Anyone interested in contributing is encouraged to contact Ernie Wagner at (313) 989-8768.